When Easton Friedel was born without skin on his legs doctors in New York said they were unable to help him. But doctors at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital identified the skin disorder and performed surgery to help with his disorder.

Easton returned to the hospital Sunday night for a follow-up appointment.

Doctors must handle Easton carefully because the slightest friction can cause excruciating pain, blistering and skin tearing. They diagnosed Easton with Epidermolysis bullosa – or E.B. – at his hospital visit in August.

Doctors said infection is a huge risk and could cause death.

“He really doesn't like to be handled. I think the pressure on his skin bothers him,” Easton’s mother Danielle said.

“We've seen a lot of improvement on his skin (but) he still has issues day to day,” Danielle said.

More than 82,000 friends follow a Facebook page for updates on Easton’s condition.

Doctors prescribed medications for Easton’s pain and his mother learned his brain isn’t growing as quickly as it should. Easton also needs oxygen: “He has an overall floppy airway. Something he should grow out of, but we're not sure,” his mother said.

The Friedels still hope for Easton’s progress.

“Hopefully someone big can find out what it is and come up with a cure for it," Danielle said.

Easton and his parents will be back in Cincinnati later this year for more treatment.

Doctors told the Friedels that the first year of Easton’s life would be critical to his long-term life expectancy.